mezzo atelier's big horn headquarters for walk & talk azores

the ‘big horn’ was a temporary interior installation by mezzo atelier that functioned as the headquarters for the 5th edition of public art festival walk & talk azores. developed in residency for the festival, the setting became the focal point for events, workshops, and lectures hosted by various portuguese and international artists. used almost 24 hours a day for the fair’s two week duration, the interior included a bar and service area, pop-up store, furniture, and a stage for talks, concerts, etc.

the gallery entrance resembles a horn made entirely of wood
images courtesy of rui soares, sara pinheiro, milton pereira

walk & talk’s space connected from the street by a small door several feet above the main floor. a possible issue for some visitors, mezzo atelier’s intervention transformed the problem into a potential. their design expanded the ‘shy’ door, creating a wooden ‘big horn’ that acted as ramp and a strong visual. as it opened up in both length and height, it beckoned guests inside. the structure is built entirely with a local wood called cryptomeria.

other creations include site specific furniture made during a workshop with giacomo mezzadri and joana oliveira of mezzo atelier. participants were mostly architecture students, who built coffee tables, stools, and chairs during the classes three day length. furnishings were well received during the festival, and thanks to their construction — and the setting’s open layout — were quickly adapted to fit the event’s needs. 

the smaller wooden structure — back left — was used as a stage for concerts, talks, and DJ sets 

the ‘big horn’ space during presentation by portuguese artist vasco mourão

portuguese artist pedro barateiro’s master class 

the ‘big horn’s’ furnishings gives freedom to visitors depending on needs and functions 

a small bar is also present in the interior 

the entrance ramp was used as an auditorium for overflow seating during talks 

during practical laboratory, where furniture was built alongside architecture students

walk & talk welcome board

the graphical mural is made of cotton string and nails

floor plan

project info:

project: the big horn
typology: temporary bar, store, auditorium
client: walk & talk azores
year: 2015
surface: 125m²
production: mezzo atelier, walk & talk azores
workshop participants: carolina costa, emanuel gomes, joana cordeiro, joao arruda
photography: rui soares, sara pinheiro, milton pereira

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: nick brink | designboom